About Clogher Civil Parish

Clogher (from Irish: Clochar) is a village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Blackwater, 18 miles (29 km) south of Omagh. The United Kingdom Census of 2001 recorded a population of 309.

Cathedral Church of Saint Macartan

The name Clochar refers to something made of stone; probably on the site of the medieval monastery or a nearby ringfort. Archaeological remains from before the fifth century have been found in the vicinity. Clogher is said to have been the location of a gold pagan idol named Cermand Cestach.

See also: Bishop of Clogher

Mac Cairthinn of Clogher founded a monastery at the site, which the Synod of Rathbreasail recognised as an episcopal see. The Cathedral Church of Saint Macartan in the village is now one of two cathedrals of the Church of Ireland diocese of Clogher; the other is at Enniskillen. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Clogher has its cathedral in Monaghan.

The "City of Clogher" was a rotten borough in the Parliament of Ireland in the gift of the Protestant bishop. The village also gives its name to the Barony of Clogher, one of the original four baronies of County Tyrone.

Griffiths Valuation of Ireland - Clogher, County Tyrone

 http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/tyrone/clogher.htm

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Census

In 2001 the population was recorded at 309.  The 1821 - 1851 census returns were destroyed in a fire.  The 1861 - 1891 census returns were destroyed by the Government.  Full details of the 1901 - 1911 census are available free of charge on line from the National Archives of Ireland website.

History

Clogher is said to have derived its name from a stone covered with gold.  The Clogh-or ro "golden stone" was preserved from after the abolition of paganisn.  On the right of the entrance into the church of Clogher traces of gold is still visible.  St. Patrick founded and presided over the monastery which he resigned to St, Kertenn when he went to Armagh.  In 1361 the plague afflicted misery in Ireland and particularly in Clogher which caused the death of the Bishop.  In 1395 Bishop Arthur MacCamaeil was rebuilding the chapel of S. Maeartin, the abbey, the cathedral and 32 other houses were destroyed by fire.  

In 1504 another plague hit Clogher and again caused the death of their Bishop.  

The market is held on Saturdays, the market house was built by Bishop Garnett.  Fairs are held on the third Saturday of every month for live stock. 

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